On Wednesday, December 25, it was announced that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics had completed a six-month training course for operating French Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets. This was reported on the French Aid to Ukraine Twitter page.
“After six months of training, Ukrainian pilots and mechanics have completed their course on the Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets. Merry Christmas!” the message reads.
Recently, the same account quoted French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu regarding the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine. “I am not revealing the number [of Mirage 2000-5F], but the process is ongoing. Deliveries will take place in the first quarter of 2025. Pilot and mechanic training is continuing and going well,” the minister shared at the time. While he did not disclose the exact number of aircraft, according to preliminary information, the first batch will include six fighter jets.
“I do not communicate on the number [of Mirage-5Fs], but it is progressing. Deliveries will take place in the first quarter of 2025. The training of pilots and mechanics continues and is going well.” — @SebLecornu
🧵 https://t.co/JXHOb5uM26 pic.twitter.com/aq3OIfVSSP
— French Aid to Ukraine 🇨🇵 🤜🤛 🇺🇦 (@aidefranceukr) November 26, 2024
Earlier this year, in the summer, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine. Shortly after, he confirmed that France would also be providing training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics. However, Macron did not specify how many aircraft would be delivered to Ukraine.
In October, French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu mentioned that Ukraine would receive Mirage 2000 fighter jets equipped with new systems.
The Mirage 2000 is a French multi-role, single-engine jet fighter of the fourth generation, featuring a low-mounted delta wing design, developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. It was introduced into service in 1978 and, from the late 20th to early 21st century, served as the primary combat aircraft for the French Air Force. This fighter, in various versions, is used by the armed forces of Greece, Egypt, the UAE, India, Peru, Taiwan, and India.
The Mirage 2000-5F version consists of modernized aircraft that achieved operational readiness in 2000. These planes retained the older countermeasure system with Serval/Sabre/Spirale modules and did not receive the ICMS 2 system. Additionally, a two-seat variant was developed, featuring a rear seat equipped with a heads-up display, but without a head-level display.
Source: espreso
